Finalists For Toy Of The Year Put On Display

NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) — The toy industry on Monday unveiled its finalists for toy of the year.

As CBS 2’s Emily Smith reported, the list is considered the equivalent of the Academy Awards for the toy industry.

“Parenting experts and education experts pared them down from hundreds to seven in each category,” said Adrianne Appell of the Toy Industry Association.

A wide range of toys made the cut, starting with a classic Sesame Street Elmo — only this one gives you a hug and wraps his arms around you. It retails for $60.

You can bet the Rainbow Loom – the make-them-yourself rubber band jewelry, will remain a top toy.

“If you find one, I would definitely recommend you buy it, because it’s going to be really hard to find on the shelves this year,” Appell said.

Glitz Globes allow you to make your own snow globes. And Play-Doh has issued a classic with a twist, with its Perfect Twist ice cream play set. The “ice cream” is not exactly edible, but it’s colorful.

For more interaction, a Battroborg robot battle arena creates a motion-controlled fight for $80.

And how about a Barbie digital makeover? Mattel has a $70 vanity that works right through the iPad, allowing for the application of virtual makeup with no mess.

“It takes a picture of the kid playing, and you can stylize yourself,” Appell said.

The Razor Crazy Cart is a small vehicle that retails for $400, for ages 9 and up.

And the Boom Boom Balloon involves rolling dice and pushing into a balloon many times. When the balloon pops, you lose. It retails for $20.

Many of the toys were also found on the Toys ‘R’ Us 2013 Buzz List.

CBS 2 also asked Nickelodeon what it anticipates for the “it” toys this holiday. The answers included Fisher-Price Skate & Spin Dora & Boots. And in what might seem like a throwback to 1990 for today’s parents, anything Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles is topping the list too.